Your dress
Size
Know your measurements and write them down so you will remember.
Measurements: ____________________________________________
Even if you are losing weight, get a dress in your size now or just slightly larger to allow room for alterations if needed.
Choosing a dress
At a bridal shop
Find a bridal shop that has been in business for a while, and look at reviews.
Ask if they give refunds.
Reserve the dress; if you make a deposit, make sure you sign an agreement, and keep a copy.
Find out when it will be ready; leave about a month before the wedding so alterations can be made.
At an online store
There are many dress suppliers that offer gowns online. Compare styles and prices between stores, and have your measurements ready. Keep in mind that some online stores sell inexpensive dresses (under $50) that would be appropriate for a casual wedding. Below are two examples:
Compare services & prices:
Budget for your gown $_____
Website Style # Price Benefits Contact info
Making a dress
If you some experience sewing, try it! First, make a sample dress to get used to the pattern before you do the real thing.
If a family member or one of your friends enjoys sewing, ask her if she would like to make your dress (and plan a nice thank-you gift!). Otherwise, go with a seamstress. Seamstresses tend to charge about $13 an hour plus the cost of material.
1. Decide who should do the sewing.
2. Find a pattern. Modest patterns in print today are McCalls 9033 and Vogue 8265. Some patterns that are out of print are still available, but can be hard to find. For other patterns that are not modest, you can add on. Just draw a higher neckline and make the dress outline wider if you think it may be too tight.
3. Purchase fabric. Fabrics usually used to make wedding dresses are taffeta, chiffon, satin, and silk. Fabric for add-ons like overlays are lace, organza, and tulle (pronounced tool).
Alterations
If your gown needs to be widened, see if it has extra fabric. It should have about 4 extra inches on the inside.
Alterations: ____________________________________
Being on time
Make sure your dress is done and with you at least one month before the wedding, and try it on one last time about a week before the wedding.
Capelet
If you have a dress with a low neckline, it can be covered with a shrug/jacket or capelet like the ones listed here:
Bridesmaids' Dresses
When choosing dresses for your bridesmaids, try to find the style and color that works for all of them (consider complexion, hair color, height, etc.).
Website Style # Price Benefits Contact info
Get the measurements for your bridesmaids, and after you have the dresses, write down any alterations that need to be made.
Bridesmaid/maid of honor Measurements Alterations
You might order the dresses for them if there is a package deal for ordering multiple dresses.
Modest patterns for bridesmaids’ dresses are New Look 6094, 6824, 6567 and Simplicity 1715. The fabrics are the same as for a wedding dress—taffeta, chiffon, satin, and silk.
Flower Girl's Dress
Measurements __________________________________
Alterations? __________________________________